Memories of Hanukkah stir in my mind. Yet, none will surpass the memories created this year. The chance to share this holiday with one’s family and especially grandchildren is an incredible experience that will be in my memory forever.
I cannot celebrate Hanukkah without thinking about food. So let me share the menu of the first night. We had potato pancakes also known as latkes. We topped them with sour cream and apple sauce. Then we had cheese blintzes which are like crapes stuffed with farmer cheese and sour cream. Some of the family ate these treats with jam. I enjoy them just as they are. The main course was stuffed cabbage. This delicacy was served with a soft tomato sauce. I forgot, we started the dinner with Matzo Ball Soup. No Jewish meal is complete without this chicken soup also known as Jewish Penicillin. The best part for my wife and I was that my son and daughter in law made Hanukkah dinner. This was their first time. It was first rate.
After we ate it was time to light the first Hanukkah candle. This is done as a memorial to the light that should have burned for one night yet burned for eight in ancient times. My daughter in law said the first blessing. On the first night unlike the other seven three blessings are made. My wife led the following two blessings. The precious moment that sits in my eyes is the smile on my grand daughters face as she lit the first candle.
After the lighting of the candles it was time for the children to open their gifts. Our grand daughter was given a week of camp at the Living Desert Zoo. Seeing her eyes light up and picking her up after the first day was incredible. She gets to go behind the scenes each day and visit with animals up close such as zebras and giraffes. I have to say we were all jealous and think they should have a camp for adults also. The gift our almost three year grandson received from us was a wooden train set. It was a Brio system with all types of bridges and cranes. My son and I had so much fun picking all the parts out. My grand son hasn’t gone anywhere without at least one of the trains in his pocket.
I bring this up because on the second night we spent it at the Country Club where we live and the chef prepared a special Hanukkah feast. My granddaughter was beautiful and gracious as a nine year old. I was so proud of her manners and graciousness. My grandson was the life of the party. He wanted to visit each of the twenty or more tables. At each table he wished them a Happy Hanukkah, with train in hand.
The food again was all traditional. However, the specialties included handmade Gefilte Fish. This is white fish put through a grinder. Spices are added and each piece is shaped in an oval. It reminded me of the old days when my grandmother would make it from scratch. In this day and age it is usually bought pre-made in a jar. Another delicacy was smoked white fish. It is hard to explain how excited my son and I were to see this special treat.
So this Hanukkah was full of special memories that will be with me forever. So far, two traditional dinners that my wife didn’t have to prepare. My daughter in law and son’s first hosting of a dinner for a holiday. Seeing the excitement of my grandchildren was the greatest. But I have to say all the traditional foods will keep me smiling for ever. I love Hanukkah and I love the traditional foods of the season. I cannot forget the homemade cookies my wife, daughter in law and grandchildren made. Oh, yes ,we have one more traditional dinner coming up Sunday at the Synagogue. This one includes a comedian for entertainment. Another traditional dinner my wife escapes from making. Hopefully, Sunday they will serve jelly donuts, another Hanukkah tradition.